Camping...in the Great Backyard

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: CHRISTINA PAY

We may all be feeling the need for a summer vacation or getaway right now. If you can’t get away for a camping trip, you can do the next closest thing by looking out your own back door. Turning your backyard into your own personal camp ground is fun, easy and inexpensive.  Taste of Home magazine has the following tips for planning a mini-getaway for your backyard camping adventure.

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Create a Cozy Campsite Treat your backyard like a real campsite. Set up your tent on a smooth, flat surface. Or, if you don’t own a tent, make one with a clothesline and tarp or blanket.  You can create a cozy tent by lining the floor with yoga mats, bed rolls or layers of sleeping bags.  Make it magical by hanging lamps or stringing lights around the tent. They’ll give your tent a soft glow and help everyone feel more comfortable spending the night in the dark.

Cook Up Some Camp Chow If you have a fire pit, it is easy to roast hot dogs, toast marshmallows for S’mores and even cook Hobo Dinners.  If you don’t have a fire pit, a small charcoal grill will work.  An alternative is to pack a cooler with sandwiches, trail mix, juice boxes and other goodies. You can even make S’mores without a campfire. Make Mini-S’mores in the kitchen then pack them up to enjoy later outdoors.

Plan on Games and Activities There are so many adventures to be discovered outdoors.  Hikes around the block or neighborhood, croquet or horseshoes, Capture the Flag and other simple games such as Simon Says or Tag make for easy entertainment.  Don’t forget to add campfire stories or star gazing to the list of evening events.

Make a Rule to Stay Outside By prepping ahead of time you can ensure that backyard camping feels like the real thing.  Pack everything you’ll need for the night so you don’t have to run back into the house every few minutes.  Make a pact that going into the house should only be for emergencies and bathroom breaks.
              
Backyard camping is fun for all ages.  You never know what adventures will find you right outside your own back door. 

More backyard camping activity ideas here. 
To download a handy Family Camping Checklist, click here